Category Archives: 2021

Grace and Time

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As 2021 exits not-so stage left, I remember my late mother’s steadfast faith and her frequent reminder that “time takes care of everything.”

She was so right. Time allows us to look back on what we’ve lived through – doors that opened at just the right time, battles we won, battles we didn’t even have to fight. And, all of it because of God’s grace.

I’ve witnessed proof of Mom’s wisdom countless times.  And, I have lots of stretch-and-grow marks that reflect the gift of time and the power of God’s grace . . .

. . . From being a shy kid, to playing piano solos for hundreds of folks at a time

. . . From growing pains as a young wife, to being happily married for 23 years and counting

. . . From uncertainty as a first-time mom, to trusting that we could expand our late-40s-sandwich-generation lives for baby #3 (and did)

That’s just a tiny sample, and I’m sure you have your own.  Reflecting on moments over time and remembering God’s grace through it all especially help me on tough days.  And, let’s face it: 2021 gave us a bunch of tough days (#pandemic).  We’ve had to push through a LOT.  And it seems that 2022 will require more pushing.

Like every December 31, we don’t know what the new year will bring our way.  But, I’ll keep trusting in God’s abundant grace as time takes care of so much.  And I pray 2022 brings you incredibly beautiful moments through God’s grace and time’s gifts.

xo,
Karin

A Kind of Kindness

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Writing again feels so good. I’ve been navigating a swept-away season since the birth of our LO 3 years ago. Stretch-and-grow moments have been plentiful since then. Time for capturing those moments here? Not so much.

But, seasons change and mine is evolving again. So, onward we go. And, I’ll start with a lesson that still requires lots of practice:

While this idea is pretty universal, it’s especially for my fellow people-pleasers. We’re often described as “thoughtful” and “kind.” But, extending kindness to ourselves with zero guilt? Well, that can be a pretty tall order for us.

I struggle with this often. A prime example: When to schedule a long overdue medical procedure. My body tells me almost daily to be kinder to myself. Sometimes it’s a whisper; other times, a shout.

I know I’ll feel better once it’s done. But, I’m stuck on how to fit a procedure + recovery into my work sked and a multilayered calendar. (Fact: When moms are out of commission, a lot can happen in several days. IJS.) Balancing What’s good for everyone else? and How soon can I feel better? feels like herding cats … pretty impossible.

See, we people-pleasers hate being an inconvenience, especially to those closest to us. We usually adjust for others’ comfort. We often sacrifice our own needs to ensure theirs are met first. In our hearts and minds, not putting others first feels strange, wrong, unloving.

And unkind.

It’s how some of us end up delaying a medical procedure for 3 years.

So, I get it – even as I’m still working on living the lesson: Self-kindness requires mindful courage rooted in honoring my own worth. Making tiny and not-so-tiny decisions based on what I need isn’t selfish. And being kind to ourselves is one of the greatest kindnesses, indeed.